Understanding Heart Rate: Pulse and Beyond

Introduction

Heart rate is a crucial health metric that provides insights into the state of your cardiovascular system. Traditionally, heart rate has been measured by feeling pulses in different areas of the body, such as the wrist, neck, groin, and legs. However, with advancements in technology, smartwatches and other wearable devices now offer 24/7 heart rate monitoring. This article explores how you can take your heart rate both traditionally and with the aid of modern technology.

Traditional Methods of Measuring Heart Rate

Measuring heart rate using traditional methods involves feeling the pulse in different areas of the body. Despite popular belief, your heartbeat and pulse are indeed the same thing. The pulse is simply the palpable throbbing of an artery as blood flows through it, which is a direct result of the heart pumping.

Common areas to feel the pulse include:

Brachial Artery: This is often done at the wrist, specifically the radial artery located on the thumb side of the wrist. However, it can also be felt at the elbow or crook of the arm. Carotid Artery: This can be located in the neck, on either side of the thyroid gland. Femoral Artery: This is found in the groin area, about three fingers' width below the crease of the hip. Multipolar Pulse: This involves feeling the pulse in the legs, typically at the top of the foot, or the upper arm at the brachial region.

By counting the number of beats per minute (bpm) in these areas, you can get an accurate reading of your heart rate. It's important to ensure your hand is relaxed and the area being palpated is not compressed, as this can give a false reading.

Modern Technology: Smartwatches and Wearables

Smartwatches and activity trackers have revolutionized heart rate monitoring by providing continuous, real-time data. These devices use optical sensors to detect the light absorption and reflection changes in the blood vessels. This technology, known as photoplethysmography (PPG), allows for non-invasive heart rate monitoring.

For example, the Huawei Pro 2 and Fitbit Versa 3 are renowned for their reliable heart rate monitoring capabilities. Many users have verified the accuracy of these devices by cross-referencing the heart rate readings with traditional methods. In one such verification process, the author personally compared the heart rate count shown by their Huawei Pro 2 and Fitbit Versa 3 with manually counting at the wrist and found the results to be 99% accurate.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to measure your heart rate through traditional methods or with the aid of modern technology, the pulse and heart rate are one and the same. It's essential to use consistent and accurate methods to monitor your heart rate, whether it's for general health assessment or during physical activity. Smartwatches and wearables can provide valuable additional insights, but traditional methods remain highly reliable and accessible for everyday use.